International Padel stars return to Docklands

Docklands will once again take centre stage in January as Game4Padel hosts a major international tournament under the Bolte Bridge, bringing world-class competition and a fresh wave of activity to Yarra’s Edge ahead of the Australian Open.

Game4Padel Docklands – Victoria’s first-ever padel facility and still the sport’s flagship venue in Melbourne – will stage the Federation of International Padel (FIP) Bronze Tournament from January 14 to 18.

Delivered in partnership with Tennis Australia, the event is strategically timed to coincide with Melbourne’s summer of tennis and will attract elite players from across Australia and around the world.

The 2026 tournament marks the second consecutive year that Docklands has secured hosting rights, a testament to the success of the venue and the strong support shown early on by Development Victoria and the City of Melbourne. Their backing helped establish Docklands as the birthplace of padel in Victoria, at a time when the sport was only beginning its rapid rise.

Now considered the world’s fastest-growing racquet sport, padel has seen a surge in popularity across Melbourne. The Docklands facility, located at Shed 21 along Lorimer St, has become the epicentre of that growth – generating more than 75,000 visits annually and drawing a broad demographic of players through social competitions, casual play and inclusive programs for all ages and genders.

Tournament organisers say the event will again inject energy into the waterfront precinct, driving strong visitation throughout the day and evening, with padel’s peak playing hours typically stretching from 4pm to nearly midnight.

The venue’s position beneath the Bolte Bridge also helps activate and improve passive surveillance along the river’s edge, an area the City of Melbourne has been working to enliven.

In addition to play on the courts, the tournament will partner with local charities including Think Pink, reinforcing Game4Padel’s focus on community contribution alongside sport and recreation.

For Docklands, the upcoming competition represents another opportunity to showcase the precinct as an active destination during Melbourne’s busiest events season – complementing the Australian Open, the return of summer waterfront crowds and ongoing efforts to boost activation in the area.

The FIP Padel Tournament will run from Wednesday, January 14 to Sunday, January 18, with matches open to spectators throughout the week. The venue is located at Game4Padel Docklands, Shed 21, 194–206 Lorimer St.

Further event information is available at game4padel.com.au.